Melinda Kgadiete: Focus on your dream!

Mamelodi Sundowns started their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League, Egypt 2021 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Kenya’s Vihiga Queens. And it was their superstar and top scorer to handle them the winning goal.

Melinda Kgadiete started playing football so early in her childhood that she cannot remember at which age. “It runs in the family as my father used to play football, so I knew I was going to grow up to be a footballer. I was quite lucky with the support I had through my life”, she told CAFOnline.com.

“I started playing with boys in the streets, then a coach saw me to play in a girls’ team. I moved between clubs, until I came to Mameldi Sundowns only this year,” added Melinda.

Regarding the maiden Women’s Champions League, Kgadiete said happily “It’s been long overdue. I’ve been playing football since I can remember and it’s beautiful to see this tournament happening. We thank CAF for taking this step, so now we can deliver and show our talents.”

When asked about her ambitions in WCL, she said “As a team we want to win, and we believe in ourselves. This will happen by taking each team at a time. As an individual, I just want to help the team win. Some people say a striker does not do much, but if they play as a striker, they’ll know”.

Kgadiete sent a message to African young women. “Focus on your dream! Choose your circle! And don’t neglect your school! Just believe in yourself, you don’t need anyone”.